Baule Blolo or Spirit Spouse Figure

Time has taken the paint and left the character.

This eleven-inch Baule spirit spouse from Ivory Coast was carved in the 20th century and has lost most of its color to time and handling. Figures like this were made to honor a partner in the spirit world and were kept close by in the owner’s private room. The features are softened, the head flat-topped, the arms carved close to the body above short trousers. Traces of yellow and red remain on the pale wood, and the black-painted shoes are banded in red. It stands on its own feet without a base.

Deeply textured. Mostly silent. Worth the pause.